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China launches a two-month campaign to curb negative sentiments online as economic woes rise.
Authorities have already taken action against high-profile content creators. (Representational image)
The Chinese government launched a two-month campaign to curb what it calls “excessively exaggerated negative and pessimistic sentiments” on social media, as economic troubles and rising youth frustration fuel waves of online despondency.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced that the initiative aims to “rectify negative emotions” and promote a “more civilised and rational online environment.” In its sights are popular narratives such as “studying is useless” and “hard work is useless,” along with content that encourages “world-weariness.”
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China Cracking Down On Gloom
China is facing an economic slowdown driven by a property crisis, soaring youth unemployment and fierce competition for education and jobs. These pressures have spurred what analysts describe as a generational sense of despair.
“Young people in China have serious questions about the future prospects of their lives. They must confront the fact that their livelihood is very likely going to be worse than their parents’ generation,” said Simon Sihang Luo, assistant professor of social sciences at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.
Authorities have already taken action against high-profile content creators. Influencer Hu Chenfeng saw his accounts wiped after a viral livestream in which he mockingly classified people and objects as either “Apple” or “Android”- shorthand for superior and inferior. While many users embraced the joke, others accused him of stoking social divisions.
Meanwhile, online education star Zhang Xuefeng, known for his blunt advice to students, had his millions-strong accounts restricted from gaining new followers. Zhang recently pledged to donate 100 million yuan if Beijing invaded Taiwan, but observers suggest his popularity stemmed from reinforcing bleak narratives: telling students to face harsh realities rather than chase dreams.
Platforms Under Pressure
Authorities have warned major social media platforms including Weibo, Xiaohongshu and Kuaishou that they face “strict punishments” for failing to rein in negative or trivial content.
“A clear and healthy cyberspace is in the interests of the people,” the CAC said in a statement.
China
September 26, 2025, 18:27 IST
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